Ndimu face mask (Makonde), early 20thcentury.
Southern Tanzania.
Wood, white pigment, plant fibres, height: 47 cm.
Museum für Völkerkunde, Leipzig.
The generic name for wooden-masked men who
impersonated spirits is ndimu. Varying according to the
particular human or animial-like spirits which they intended
to personify. Such events are performed during the coming-
out celebrations for both male and female initiates by the
male members of the masquerading associations.
This mask, according to the long, spatula-shaped ears
most likely represented the spirit of a hare; the ears appear
to have been carved and attached seperately.